Shift Interlock Cable: Service and Repair

The interlock cable slides into the housing behind the lock cylinder and attaches to the floor mounted shifter. The floor shift interlock system is adjusted by a nut at the shifter. If the system requires adjustment and not replacement, refer to the Floor Shift Interlock Adjustment procedure.

REMOVAL
1. Lower the steering column.

Fig. 20:

2. Remove the two screws retaining the interlock mechanism to the column (Fig. 20).
3. Unsnap the mechanism from the column.
4. Place parking brake in the up position.
5. Place gearshift in the Autostick position.
6. Remove gearshift set screw.
7. Using a trim stick, disengage gearshift bezel from lower console.
8. Disconnect bezel lamp connector.
9. Remove front console retaining screw.

Fig. 21:

10. Open console bin cover and remove console retaining screws (Fig. 21).
11. Carefully remove console from vehicle.
12. Disconnect the cable from the gearshift mechanism.
13. Loosen the nut on the interlock adjustment lever in the floor shifter.
14. Move ignition key to the Run position.

Fig. 22:

Fig. 23:

15. Remove the interlock cable from the shifter housing (Fig. 22). Slide the cable out of the groove in the interlock lever (Fig. 23).
16. Remove interlock cable.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: The gearshift cable must be secured into position and properly adjusted before the installation of the Shifter/Ignition Interlock Cable.

1. Snap the cable base assembly into the large square opening in the steering column.
2. Secure the plastic base with two self tapping screws (tighten upper screw first).
3. Route the interlock cable down the steering column to the shifter housing.
4. Slide the interlock cable core wire into the groove on the adjustment lever. Ensure the cable end seats in the groove.
5. Slip the cable into the housing until it snaps into place.
6. Ensure the shift lever remains in PARK. Remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder (switch in OFF position).
7. When the adjustment nut on the interlock lever is loosened, the cable indexes itself to the correct position.
8. Loosen the adjustment nut. Allow the cable to adjust itself to the correct position. Tighten the adjustment nut.
9. Check the interlock adjustment:
- With the ignition key in the OFF (lock) position, the shifter should be locked in the PARK position. If not, inspect the system for binding and repeat the adjustment procedure.
- Without starting the engine, place the ignition switch in the run position. Move the shifter to the reverse position. You should be unable to remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder. If you can remove the key at this point, inspect the system for binding and repeat the adjustment procedure.
- Place the shifter in the PARK position. Turn the ignition key to the OFF (lock) position. You should be able to remove the ignition key from the lock cylinder. If not, inspect the system for binding and repeat the adjustment procedure.
10. Carefully install center console into vehicle.
11. Install console retaining screws at rear bin.
12. Install console retaining screws at front.
13. Install gearshift bezel and wiring connector.
14. Install gearshift handle and set screw.